Kennedy Center Ordered to Pay $252,000 to Jazz Musician Chuck Redd After Failed Lawsuit
A judge from D.C. Superior Court has mandated that the Kennedy Center compensate jazz artist Chuck Redd with $252,000 in legal expenses following its failed lawsuit against him for canceling a concert scheduled for December 2025. Redd, a regular performer at the center's Christmas Eve events, opted out due to what he called a "defiant and illegal name change" to the Trump Kennedy Center. In June, Judge Tanya Jones Bosier dismissed the lawsuit, noting the absence of a signed contract. Redd's legal team disclosed an undisclosed settlement proposal from the center. The judge found the legal fees justified, despite the center's assertions of being excessive. This decision comes after a federal directive on May 29 to eliminate Trump's name from the building's exterior.
Key facts
- Judge orders Kennedy Center to pay $252,000 in legal fees to Chuck Redd.
- Redd canceled Christmas Eve concert citing 'defiant and illegal name change.'
- Lawsuit dismissed in June by Judge Tanya Jones Bosier for lack of signed contract.
- Richard Grenell threatened $1 million in damages in a letter to Redd.
- Center offered to settle if Redd paid $7,500 and performed in 2026 without commentary.
- Federal judge ordered removal of Trump's name from Kennedy Center façade on May 29.
- Exterior still covered by tarp; judge asked board to explain.
- Lisa J. Banks called lawsuit 'baseless and politically motivated.'
Entities
Artists
- Chuck Redd
Institutions
- Kennedy Center
- Trump Kennedy Center
- D.C. Superior Court
Locations
- Washington, D.C.
- United States